Published: Wednesday, 5th May, 2010 3:00pm

NORTH AYRSHIRE & ARRAN GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

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Your May 6 candidates have their final say

Labour's candidate, Katy Clark comments: "We have a clear choice at this election - between a Labour Government and a Tory Government.

"Labour has spent record levels on public services and made the right choices to get economic recovery - whereas the Tories would make cuts that could see us sliding back into recession.

"This is a risk we cannot afford to take. A vote for any other Party could let the Tories in the back door.

"I see my job as providing a strong voice for your community at Westminster.

"My priorities are defending public services, fighting for of real jobs and investment, opportunities for young people, standing up for our local communities and campaigning for better transport links for Ayrshire.

"We need to protect the minimum wage, improved rights at work, tax credits and free bus passes for pensioners. Labour is committed to maintaining Child and Family Tax Credits, the Child Trust Fund, Pension credit, winter fuel allowance, free bus passes for pensioners and attendance allowance and disability living allowance in it's current form.

"I campaign for more funding for council housing, stronger employment and trade union rights, a substantial increase in the state pension.

"I will fight against the privitisation of public services and cuts in public spending."

SNP candidate Patricia Gibson believes North Ayrshire, its communities and people, need an MP who will put theirs and Scotland's interests first.

"If elected, that's exactly what I will do. When the SNP is successful, London listens.

"We will stand up for Scotland's interests, oppose cuts that will damage Scotland's recovery and protect jobs, vital local services and the most vulnerable in our society.

"Labour threaten cuts 'deeper and tougher' than under Mrs Thatcher. Already, Labour-controlled North Ayrshire Council plan to shut vital community centres and cut after-school and respite care, just as they removed wardens from sheltered housing.

"Colossal debts run up by the UK Labour Government - caused by their failure to regulate the world's largest financial market in London - must be repaid. To avoid renewed recession, we must - as 18 of the world's largest industrial economies have done - invest in infrastructure and strengthen the economy for tough times ahead.

"Debts could be reduced by cancelling Labour's £97 billion Trident replacement and £5 billion Identity Card schemes.

"If the SNP does well in this election, whoever forms the next UK Government will hesitate to impose severe cuts on Scotland.

"If the SNP does badly it will be open season on Scotland's budget."

Socialist Labour Party candidate Louise McDaid says she believes the policies set out in their manifesto are able to resolve the economic and social crisis facing our country.

"In 1997 I called for our manufacturing industry to be rebuilt after years of Tory misrule and the reliance on the finance world. I also referred to the 'Fat Cats' in big business who awarded themselves big bonuses, but now we have to include the politicians from all the main political parties who have been found guilty of abusing the public purse with their expenses claims.

"New Labour gave our money to bail out the banks to the tune of at least £850 billion - a policy supported by the Tories, Lib Dems and the SNP.

"As a consequence of this our public services are to suffer. Locally, Labour, SNP, Tory and Lib Dems unanimously supported a budget that saw a £5 million cut in Education; £1.4 million in Social Services and £1.3 million in Property Services. Everything from our community centres to privatisation of services for our senior citizens are on the agenda locally and I will repeat again - all supported by the four main political parties.

"If you support the closure of our community centres, scrapping of swimming lessons for our children; paying for rubbish uplifts; privatisation of services for our senior citizens, then vote for one of the other parties.

"Otherwise I would ask you to vote for me."

Gillian Cole Hamilton, the Liberal Democrats' candidate, works as a primary two teacher.

She stood for the Scottish Parliament for the Liberal Democrats in 2007 in the constituency of Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.

Mrs Cole-Hamilton said: "I am particularly interested in improving education, especially early years opportunities and creating a fairer start in life for all young people.

"As a mother, I also feel strongly that parents should be able to create a fair work/life balance.

"As a teacher and a parent, I am all too aware of the importance of parents having time to spend with their children.

"I believe some of the problems for young people in society are a result of failing Government policy which either forces parents not too work, due to child care expenses, or to work long hours, unable to spend time with their children.

"I am keen to see improvements in this area for all parents.

"I think the Lib Dems have a real chance to make gains across the UK and I look forward to the election."

Following his suspension by David Cameron, former Conservative candidate Philip Lardner was campaigning in the Constituency at the weekend under an Independent banner of 'Vote for Common Sense'.

Despite his suspension from the Party, local Largs Conservative members came out to support him, as did supporters from Saltcoats, Stevenston and Ardrossan.

Although Mr Lardner's name will appear next to 'Scottish Conservative and Unionist', if enough people vote to elect him he pledges to sit in Parliament as an Independent Member for North Ayrshire and Arran, for the lifetime of the next Parliament at least.